Printing the 3D Landscape

01 September 2009, 3:28pm

1st September 2009, Bristol, UK. For anyone that wishes to capture the beauty or the essence of a landscape, traditional methods of doing so, such as painting, photography and mapping have limited their efforts to two dimensions. Now, however, it is possible to acquire a three-dimensional model replicating any geographical landscape on Earth.

Using a combination of advanced digital satellite imagery, specialist software and the latest in colour 3D Printing technology, the experts from 3D Creation Lab can supply inexpensive 3D physical models of any landscape on the planet, to consumers in the UK, via its proprietary website TerrainPrint.co.uk.

TerrainPrint.co.uk offers an easy-to-use, walkthrough service that allows patrons to select and customise their landscape of choice and confirm payment terms. Models are available in a range of sizes — 120 mm2; 150 mm2; 200 mm2; and 250 mm2 — the size of choice can be easily nominated during the ordering procedure. Once the online process has been completed, the file is sent to the 3D Printing specialists at 3D Creation Lab who “print” the full-colour model on the ZCorp machine. The model is subsequently shipped to the customer within seven days of the order being placed.

To date, this service has only been available in the US (since 2008) from Landprint.com, but thanks to 3D Creation Lab it is now available to anyone in the UK.

Current and potential applications of this capability are broad, from personalised memorabilia of special places and trips in a truly unique fashion to marathoners and adventure racers who desire to track their routes in 3D. Industrial applications can also be found in sectors such as architecture, housing, city planning and land development. Similarly, as an educational tool, the models available from TerrainPrint.co.uk could be invaluable for teaching students — at any level — about geography and terrain with interactive tools that stimulate interest and discussion.

The TerrainPrint.co.uk website is live now and available to any UK customers.

TerrainPrint.co.uk

Geo: International